Shir Ahava (Love Song)

Track 1: Shir Ahava for Soprano and Orchestra
Netania Davrath, Soprano
Marc Lavry, Conductor
Kol Zion Lagola Choir (The Broadcasting Service Choir)
Kol Israel Symphony Orchestra (The Broadcasting Service Orchestra)
Recorded in 1957

Track 2: Shir Ahava for Soprano and Piano Accompaniment
Gila Yaron, Soprano
Zvi Zemel, Piano

Note: Shir Ahava was written originally for Soprano and Piano. Lavry also wrote an arrangement for Soprano and orchestral accompaniment.

Lyrics: Moshe Yaacov Ben-Gavriel

Additional details: email music@marclavry.org

Synopsis: Every year, Kibbutz Afikim by the Sea of Galilee, celebrates the Shavuot holiday. The celebration consists of the “First Fruit“ celebration as well as reading the story of “Ruth” from the Bible.
In 1950, The Kibbutz commissioned Lavry to write incidental music to Moshe Yaacov Ben-Gavriel’s lyrics. Lavry also conducted the concert that was performed in the fields by the Kineret (The Sea of Galilee).

Transliteration from Hebrew:
Levavcha, kereach nichoach
Hatzaf al pnei mayim rabim,
Uvishchor ma’amakehem
Nishkafim kochvei hashamayim,
Kochvei hamidbar beleil kayitz,
Kereach besamim tovim
Ba’ah elay ahavato,
Al kanfei haru’ach
Ba’aviv – hamidbar,
Vata’af el meromei kochavim bashamayim,
Sham chavru nishmoteinu mikedem beterem noladu.